Looking to impress your guests with a delightful treat that embodies the charm of British afternoon tea? Look no further than these exquisite English Cucumber Tea Sandwiches! With their refreshing crunch and creamy dill spread, these sandwiches are not just a feast for the eyes but also a burst of flavor in every bite. Perfect for tea parties, brunches, or simply a cozy afternoon snack, this recipe is a breeze to whip up in just 15 minutes. Dive into this culinary adventure and discover the secrets to creating these elegant bites that will have everyone asking for more!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: British
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf white bread, crusts removed
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove cream cheese from refrigerator and allow to soften at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
- Wash cucumber thoroughly and slice extremely thin using a sharp mandoline or very sharp knife. Pat cucumber slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Remove crusts from white bread slices, creating neat, uniform rectangular or triangular shapes.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese with finely chopped fresh dill. Mix until well incorporated.
- Season cream cheese mixture with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Spread a thin, even layer of herbed cream cheese on one side of each bread slice, ensuring complete coverage to edges.
- Arrange cucumber slices in a single, slightly overlapping layer on half of the prepared bread slices.
- Carefully place remaining bread slices on top of cucumber layer, cream cheese side down, creating sandwiches.
- Using a sharp knife, cut sandwiches diagonally into triangles or small rectangles for traditional tea service presentation.
- Arrange sandwiches on a serving platter, optionally garnishing with additional fresh dill sprigs.
- Serve immediately at room temperature for optimal flavor and texture.
Tips
- Choose the Right Bread: Opt for fresh, high-quality white bread for the best texture. If you want a twist, try using whole grain or flavored bread for a unique taste.
- Perfectly Thin Cucumber Slices: Use a mandoline for ultra-thin cucumber slices. This not only enhances the presentation but also ensures the sandwiches don't become soggy.
- Cream Cheese Consistency: Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy spreading. This will help you create a smooth, even layer that complements the cucumbers perfectly.
- Seasoning Matters: Don’t skip the salt and pepper! A pinch of seasoning in the cream cheese elevates the overall flavor and balances the freshness of the cucumber.
- Presentation is Key: Cut your sandwiches into elegant shapes—triangles or rectangles—for a classic tea service look. Garnish with fresh dill for an added touch of sophistication.
- Serve Fresh: These sandwiches are best enjoyed immediately after preparation. If you need to make them ahead of time, store them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to keep them fresh.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 150kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
